Integration of Standardized Management Systems: A Dilemma?

Abstract: The growing proliferation of management systems standards (MSSs), and their individualized implementation, is a real problem faced by organizations. On the other hand, MSSs are aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness of organizational responses in order to satisfy the requirements, needs and expectations of the stakeholders. Each organization has its own identity and this is an issue that cannot be neglected; hence, two possible approaches can be attended. First, continue with the implementation of individualized management systems (MSs); or, integrate the several MSSs versus related MSs into an integrated management system (IMS). Therefore, in this context, organizations are faced with a dilemma, as a result of the increasing proliferation and diversity of MSSs. This paper takes into account the knowledge gained through a case study conducted in the context of a Portuguese company and unveils some of the advantages and disadvantages of integration. A methodology is also proposed and presented to support organizations in developing and structuring the integration process of their individualized MSs, and consequently minimize problems that are generators of inefficiencies, value destruction and loss of competitiveness. The obtained results provide relevant information that can support Top Management decision in solving that dilemma and consequently promote a successful integration, including a better control of business risks associated to MSSs requirements and enhancing sustainable performance, considering the context in which organizations operate.

Neoinstitutionalism and the appropriation of bourdieu's work: a critical assessment

Despite the still present hegemony of the structural-functionalist orthodoxy, the mid 1980's witnesses the insurgence of new philosophical approaches. This body of work had become a vital intellectual and ideological resource for those who wanted to confront the functionalist dominance in organization studies, such as structuration theory, labour process theory and neoinstitutionalist theory. The purpose of this paper is to review the incorporation of Bourdieu's work into neoinstitutionalism. I argue that this appropriation has resulted in a significant loss of theoretical strength. By giving place to the cognitivist metaphors of mental models, "scripts" and "schemas", instead of adopting the notion of habitus, neoinstitutionalism reinforces some of the ever-present dichotomies in social sciences, especially those of agency/structure and individual/society. While neoinstitutionalism was refining the cognitive approach in the 1990's, Bourdieu was moving towards psychoanalysis. Some indications for future research are provided in the concluding notes.

Intermittent claudication and physical exercise: effectiveness of a home-based program

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) as a high incidence in general population and 12% to 20% of population with more than 60 years has already clinical symptoms, such as intermittent claudication (IC), pain, loss of strength and functional incapacity. There are already some studies who refer the possible positive effects of physical exercise in functional consequences of PAD.

Evaluation of staining techniques on the results of micronucleus in exfoliated oral mucosa cells

Micronuclei (MN) in exfoliated epithelial cells are widely used as biomarkers of cancer risk in humans. MN are classified as biomarkers of the break age and loss of chromosomes. They are small, extra nuclear bodies that arise in dividing cells from centric chromosome/chromatid fragments or whole chromosomes/chromatids that lag behind in anaphase and are not included in the daughter nuclei in telophase. Buccal mucosa cells have been used in biomonitoring exposed populations because these cells are in the direct route of exposure to ingested pollutant, are capable of metabolizing proximate carcinogens to reactive chemicals, and are easily and rapidly collected by brushing the buccal mucosa. The objective of the present study was to further investigate if, and to what extent, different stains have an effect on the results of micronuclei studies in exfoliated cells. These techniques are: Papanicolaou (PAP), Modified Papanicolaou, May-Grünwald Giemsa (MGG), Giemsa, Harris’s Hematoxylin, Feulgen with Fast Green counterstain and Feulgen without counterstain.

Modification of MOR by desilication treatments: Structural, textural and acidic characterization

The effect of several desilication experimental parameters (base concentration, temperature and time) on the characteristics of MOR zeolite was studied. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Al-27 and Si-29 MAS-NMR, chemical analysis, and FTIR (framework vibration region). The textural characterization was made by N-2 adsorption and the acidity was evaluated by pyridine adsorption followed by FTIR and by the catalytic model reaction of n-heptane cracking. The alkaline treatments promoted the Si extraction from the zeolite framework, without considerable loss of crystallinity and, as it was envisaged, an important increase of the mesoporous structure was attained. A linear correlation between the number of framework Si per unit cell. N-Si and the asymmetric stretching wavenumber, nu(i), was observed. The acidity characterization shows that the desilicated samples exhibit practically the same acid properties than the parent HMOR zeolite. The optimum desilication conditions were those used to obtain sample M/0.2/85/2, i.e., sample treated with 0.2 M NaOH solution at 85 degrees C for 2 h.

Intermittent claudication and physical exercise: effectiveness of a home-based program

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) as a high incidence in general population and 12% to 20% of population with more than 60 years has already clinical symptoms, such as intermittent claudication (IC), pain, loss of strength and functional incapacity. There are already some studies that refer the possible positive effects of physical exercise in functional consequences of PAD. The purpose of this study was to verify the results of a home-based (HB) weekly supervised physical exercise program in patients with IC in consequence of PAD in lower limbs, and observe the medium number of diary steps walked by the subjects of our study.

Bioconversion of D-glucose into D-glucosone by immobilized glucose 2-oxidase from Coriolus versicolorat moderate pressures

The immobilized glucose 2-oxidase (pyranose oxidase, pyranose:oxygen-2-oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.3.10) from Coriolus versicolor was used to convert D-glucose into D-glucosone at moderate pressures, up to 150 bar, with compressed air in a modified commercial batch reactor. Several parameters affecting biocatalysis at moderate pressures were investigated as follows: pressure, different forms of immobilized biocatalysts, glucose concentration, pH, temperature and the presence of catalase. Glucose 2-oxidase (GOX2) was purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography on epoxy-activated Sepharose 6B-IDA-Cu(II) column at pH 6.0. Purified enzyme and catalase were immobilized into a polyethersulfone (PES) membrane in the presence of glutaraldehyde and gelatin. Enhancement of the bioconversion of D-glucose was done by the pressure since an increase in the pressure with compressed air increases the conversion rates. The optimum temperature and pH for bioconversion of D-glucose were found to be 62 degrees C and pH 6.0, respectively and the activation energy (E(a)) was 28.01 kJ mol(-1). The apparent kinetic constants (V(max)' K(m)', K(cat)' and K(cat)/K(m)') for this bioconversion were 2.27 U mg(-1) protein, 11.15 mM, 8.33 s(-1) and 747.38 s(-1) M(-1), respectively. The immobilized biomass of C. versicolor as well as crude extract containing GOX2 activity were also useful for bioconversion of D-glucose at 65 bar with a yield of 69.9 +/- 3.8% and 91.3 +/- 1.2%, respectively. The immobilized enzyme was apparently stable for several months without any significant loss of enzyme activity. On the other hand, this immobilized enzyme was also stable at moderate pressures, since such pressures did not affect significantly the enzyme activity. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of optimization of [11C] Pittsburgh compound B by the captive solvent method

Mestrado em Medicina Nuclear.

Quality of life of the caregivers of people with aphasia. A systematic review.

Purpose: Systematic review to identify the factors associated to the quality of life (QOL) of the caregivers of people with aphasia (PWA). Methods: Studies were searched using Medline, Pubmed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases. Peer-reviewed papers that studied the QOL of PWA’s caregivers or the consequences of aphasia in caregivers’ life were included. Findings were extracted from the studies that met the inclusion criteria. Results: No data is available reporting particularly the QOL of PWA caregivers’ or their QOL predictors. Nevertheless, it was possible to extract aspects related to QOL from the studies that report the consequences of aphasia, and life changes in PWA’s caregivers. Nine (9) studies including PWA’s caregivers were found, but only 5 reported data separately on them. Methodological heterogeneity impedes cross-study comparisons, although some considerations can be made. PWA’s caregivers reported life changes such as: loss of freedom; social isolation; new responsibilities; anxiety; emotional loneliness; need for support and respite. Conclusions: Changes in social relationships, in emotional status, increased burden and need for support and respite were experienced by PWA’s caregivers. Stroke QOL studies need to include PWA caregivers’ and report separately on them. Further research is needed in this area in order to determine their QOL predictors and identify what interventions and referrals better suit their needs.

Py-GC/MS(FID) assessed behavior of polysaccharides during kraft delignification of Eucalyptus globulus heartwood and sapwood

Eucalyptus globulus heartwood, sapwood and their delignified samples by kraft pulping at 130, 150 and 170 degrees C along time were characterized in respect to total carbohydrates by Py-GC/MS(FID). No significant differences between heartwood and sapwood were found in relation to pyrolysis products and composition. The main wood carbohydrate derived pyrolysis compounds were levoglucosan (25.1%), hydroxyacetaldehyde (12.5%), 2-oxo-propanal (10.3%) and acetic acid (8.7%). Levoglucosan decreased during the early stages of delignification and increased during the bulk and residual phases. Acetic acid decreased hydroxyacetaldehyde and 2-oxo-propanal increased, and 2-furaldehyde and hydroxypropanone remained almost constant during delignification. The C/L ratio was 3.2 in wood and remained rather constant in the first pulping periods until a loss of 15-25% in carbohydrate and 60% in lignin. Afterwards it increased sharply until 44 that correspond to the removal of 25-35% of carbohydrates and 95% of lignin. The pulping reactive selectivity to lignin vs. polysaccharides was the same for sapwood and heartwood. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of density versus size on grazing by a key exploited herbivore

Fishing decreases the biomass of target species via reduction in the numbers and/or size of individuals. In natural systems, the strength of biological interactions, including predator-prey dynamics, are often density or size-dependent. Hence, changes in the numbers or size of key taxa may be expected to influence biological interactions but their effects do not need to be identical. Here we compare the effects of biomass reduction in populations of the exploited limpet Patella candei. Biomass removal was experimentally achieved by either removing individuals (density reduction) or by replacing large by small individuals (size reduction), while controlling for total limpet biomass in a laboratory-based experiment. At the experiment’s termination, biomass reduction led to proportional changes in area grazed. However, there was no difference whether this was achieved via changes in density or in size. Furthermore, no discernible effects of treatments were evident on different components of the algal assemblage. A field survey also revealed that P. candei biomass explained a greater proportion in variation in the area free of algae than density alone. Our results suggest that loss of biomass in populations of P. candei has quantitatively and qualitatively similar effects on algal cover regardless of whether it is caused by an equivalent (biomass) reduction in the numbers or size of individuals.

Molecular epidemiology of Aspergillus collected from cystic fibrosis patients

Background - Aspergillus respiratory infection is a common complication in cystic fibrosis (CF) and is associated with loss of pulmonary function and allergic disease. Methods - Fifty-three Aspergillus isolates recovered from CF patients were identified to species by Internal Transcribed Spacer Region (ITS), β-tubulin, and calmodulin sequencing. Results - Three species complexes (Terrei, Nigri, and Fumigati) were found. Identification to species level gave a single Aspergillus terreus sensu stricto, one Aspergillus niger sensu stricto and 51 Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto isolates. No cryptic species were found. Conclusions - To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study of Aspergillus species in CF using molecular methods. The paucity of non-A. fumigatus and of cryptic species of A. fumigatus suggests a special association of A. fumigatus sensu stricto with CF airways, indicating it likely displays unique characteristics making it suitable for chronic residence in that milieu. These findings could refine an epidemiologic and therapeutic approach geared to this pathogen.

CuxSnSx+1 (x = 2, 3) thin films grown by sulfurization of metallic precursors deposited by dc magnetron sputtering

We report the results of the growth of Cu-Sn-S ternary chalcogenide compounds by sulfurization of dc magnetron sputtered metallic precursors. Tetragonal Cu2SnS3 forms for a maximum sulfurization temperature of 350 ºC. Cubic Cu2SnS3 is obtained at sulfurization temperatures above 400 ºC. These results are supported by XRD analysis and Raman spectroscopy measurements. The latter analysis shows peaks at 336 cm-1, 351 cm-1 for tetragonal Cu2SnS3, and 303 cm-1, 355 cm-1 for cubic Cu2SnS3. Optical analysis shows that this phase change lowers the band gap from 1.35 eV to 0.98 eV. At higher sulfurization temperatures increased loss of Sn is expected in the sulphide form. As a consequence, higher Cu content ternary compounds like Cu3SnS4 grow. In these conditions, XRD and Raman analysis only detected orthorhombic (Pmn21) phase (petrukite). This compound has Raman peaks at 318 cm-1, 348 cm-1 and 295 cm-1. For a sulfurization temperature of 450 ºC the samples present a multi-phase structure mainly composed by cubic Cu2SnS3 and orthorhombic (Pmn21) Cu3SnS4. For higher temperatures, the samples are single phase and constituted by orthorhombic (Pmn21) Cu3SnS4. Transmittance and reflectance measurements were used to estimate a band gap of 1.60 eV. For comparison we also include the results for Cu2ZnSnS4 obtained using similar growth conditions.

Influence of selenization pressure on the growth of Cu2ZnSnSe4 films from stacked metallic layers

Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) is a p-type semiconductor with a high absorption coefficient, 104 to 105 cm-1, and is being seen as a possible replacement for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 in thin film solar cells. Yet, there are some fundamental properties of CZTSe that are not well known, one of them is its band gap. In order to resolve its correct value it is necessary to improve the growth conditions to ensure that single phase crystalline thin films are obtained. One of the problems encountered when growing CZTSe is the loss of Sn through evaporation of SnSe. Stoichiometric films are then difficult to obtain and usually there are other phases present. One possible way to overcome this problem is to increase the pressure of growth of CZTSe. This can be done by introducing an atmosphere of an inert gas like Ar or N2. In this work we report the results of morphological, structural and optical studies of the properties of CZTSe thin films grown by selenization of DC magnetron sputtered metallic layers under different Ar pressures. The films are analysed by SEM/EDS, Raman scattering and XRD.

Catalytic behavior of alkali-treated Pt/HMOR n-hexane hydroisomerization

Bifunctional Pt-HMOR catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation of various desilicated MOR obtained by alkaline treatment using NaOH concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 M. The zeolite structural changes upon modification were investigated by several techniques including powder X-ray diffraction,Al-27 and Si-29 MAS-NMR spectroscopy, N-2 adsorption, pyridine adsorption followed by infrared spectroscopy and the catalytic model reaction of m-xylene transformation. For low alkaline concentration the zeolite acidity is preserved, along with a slight increase of the volume correspondent to the larger micropores due to the removal of extra-framework debris already existent at the parent zeolite. At higher NaOH concentrations there is a significant loss of crystalinity and acidity as well as the formation of mesoporosity. The characterization of the metal function shows similar patterns for Pt-HMOR and Pt-M/0.1 samples, with Pt particles located mainly inside the inner porosity. In contrast, large Pt particles become visible at the intercrystalline mesoporosity of MOR crystals developed during the desilication treatments at severe alkaline conditions. The catalytic results obtained for n-hexane hydroisomerization showed an improved selectivity for dibranched over monobranched isomers for Pt-M/0.1 sample, likely due to the preservation of the support acidity and the slight enlargement of the micropores. This work is a new example in which the mesoporous development does not improve the catalytic efficiency of the zeolites, whereas mild alkaline desilication might be considered as an effective solution to produce customized catalysts with enhanced performance for a given application. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.